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My first Rally. My first forum Post. I’m an extreme newbie, and it’s about time. You know why? Because I love you folks. Maybe that’s a bit sappy (ok, it’s a lot sappy), and I’m not normally a sappy person, I swear, but something really hit me this weekend.Each time I sat in the Westin LAX lobby restaurant, I looked around and was repeatedly bowled over by the following realization: Every single one of these people shares my passion. I have an instant connection with all of them.. and.. and .. it makes me want to know every single one of them! If you’re like me, sitting in that restaurant surrounded by artists, songwriters, and gear heads was a major, major shock. When I look around any normal restaurant on any ordinary day (or any other place for that matter), I don’t feel that love. I mean, I’m sure that more than once I sat in the same restaurant as someone who’s passion is music and/or music technology, but I had no way of knowing that unless I went over and interrupted their meal. This past weekend, if I had interrupted your steak (or your bowtie pasta, or your chicken breast), I would have gotten a cd, a business card, and a new friend. Of course, I’d probably never interrupt someone’s meal like that, but you get the idea.So - I just wanted to say that even if I didn't get a chance to meet everybody at the Rally, I feel like part of a family, and after I heard Michael talking about the forum in the "Publisher, Member, and the Taxi Screener" panel on Sunday, I realized, "why in the world am I neglecting my family?" Especially since you guys really know your stuff and (I hope) might be able to help me out with my music too. I'm here, and I'm ready to learn! If you don't mind, I'll be sending you links to some of my tunes, with specific questions and concerns, in upcoming posts.Cheers to everyone. It's good to finally be here.- Audiorayne (a.k.a. Logan Rayne Pepper – yeah, I’m the one who’s business cards ended up in the bushes next to the lobby bar.. Got my wife’s late-night marketing instincts to thank for that one.. [Houston, TX by way of Newfoundland, Canada]

Welcome Logan!Yeah, 1st Rally for me too, and it was fun. I've been in the biz for a lot of years already, but as with most of us, have a LONG way to go to get to where I'd really like to be with my music. Hopefully the few connections I made at the Rally will nudge me a step in the right direction. Certainly the knowledge and encouragement I gained from hangin' with my new forum buddies in the lobby was worth the trip alone. This forum is the place to be. Great folks, good advice, and a lot of fun. This is the community we don't usually have as independent musicians. So, welcome to the forum, we look forward to tearing apart your music. JUST KIDDING! Can't wait to hear it!-brian

More Canadians! Yahoo. I'm from PEI, & live in Vancouver. I love everybody. Stick, I miss you, and feel you right there beside me. It's quite trippy.Martin and Liam probably aren't even home yet. Imagine...Wasn't it all just fantastic, fabulous beyond belief?steveQuote:Welcome Logan!Yeah, 1st Rally for me too, and it was fun. I've been in the biz for a lot of years already, but as with most of us, have a LONG way to go to get to where I'd really like to be with my music. Hopefully the few connections I made at the Rally will nudge me a step in the right direction. Certainly the knowledge and encouragement I gained from hangin' with my new forum buddies in the lobby was worth the trip alone. This forum is the place to be. Great folks, good advice, and a lot of fun. This is the community we don't usually have as independent musicians. So, welcome to the forum, we look forward to tearing apart your music. JUST KIDDING! Can't wait to hear it!-brian

Thanks guys - I actually really do want someone to tear my music apart. It's the best way to learn! I'll post some specific stuff in the Peer To Peer section, but for now here's a link for some general listening and opinions if you get a chance:http://www.taximusic.com/hosting/home.p ... epperSteve - PEI! Awesome! I love those potatoes, seriously. Throw some cream and gruyere in there - now that's a winning combination! Cheers,-Logan

Logan,I had a similar epiphany after my first rally. I felt like I had finally found my people. My uneducated preconceptions about the music industry and the people that work in it (you know "THEM") were smashed at that first rally as well. I learned that it's time to grow up and get busy making music and connections and put all that baggage behind me.This year was really about the hang for me and I got so much out of it. More cameraderie, more knowledge, more love!!! I'm a sap too!Glad you're on the forum, post those tunes!!Mazz

Quote:Wasn't it all just fantastic, fabulous beyond belief?steveGlad you enjoyed it Steve . Seriously though it's true. Those who have never been may think we've all gone nuts, but you REALLY need to start saving up your pennies for next year.

Steve,I love everybody too, but you are the only one I kissed on the head. I'm glad you shaved and showered.Matto, If we have gone nuts, it has to be due to sleep deprivation and inhaling the second hand smoke when I would step outside for "fresh air" with Steve, Aub, and LiamChuck

Liam phoned me from London today (still not home yet), just to say he was lonely and missing everyone. He should get an award for travelling so far. And the lovely Pink haired gal from Germany as well. More love...

What no direct flights to Ibiza? HA HA! Definitely an award worthy venture. Perhaps we should start a Forum post-Rally awards thread. You know, longest trip, best advice, best response from a pro, least sleep, least hair, that sort of thing.

How about shortest trip?